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Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham addresses preseason finale incident, says he’s ready for Week 1

When asked if he expected any further punishment from the team, Bradham said he’d “probably, more than likely” receive some form of discipline.

Linebacker Nigel Bradham runs a drill during Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.
Linebacker Nigel Bradham runs a drill during Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer

Nigel Bradham spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time since The Inquirer reported that he skipped the Eagles’ preseason finale against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium without explanation.

Bradham wasn’t going to play in the Aug. 29 game, but Eagles coach Doug Pederson said he was expected to work out before the game. Bradham said Thursday that he had an upset stomach, so he wasn’t concerned about where his phone was, and whom he should talk to about not making the trip. He added that he didn’t want to make the 1½-hour drive to East Rutherford, N.J., with his stomach in that condition.

When asked if he expected any further punishment from the team, Bradham said he’d “probably, more than likely” receive some form of discipline.

“It’s the NFL, that’s just how it works," he said. “It’s the league, man. There’s fines all the time.”

Asked if he expected more than a fine, Bradham said, “as of now, no.”

The linebacker, who has been recovering from a foot injury all offseason, said he doesn’t expect to be suspended from any portion of the season opener Sunday against Washington.

“My main focus is always being ready for Week 1. Obviously I wasn’t healthy throughout training camp, so my focus was on pretty much getting rehab, trying to be in the best condition that I could be in and just get ready for this week,” Bradham said. “I’m a full participant. ... I’m going to play the whole game.”

Bradham turned 30 on Wednesday. He said that he and Pederson have talked, and that the coach emphasized better communication.